Scupper with automatic shutoff valve

ABSTRACT

An automatic shutoff valve that can be easily installed in a swimming pool scupper, or provided as original equipment at time of scupper installation. The automatic shutoff valve will stop the normal flow of liquid through a drain or suction outlet when the liquid level drops below the minimum level required to maintain buoyancy of the automatic shutoff valve&#39;s float, and the flow is about to change from liquid to gaseous. The valve is designed to automatically reset to normal when a sufficient level of liquid is restored in the pool and scupper assembly, and any suction acting on the outflow portion of the valve is briefly interrupted to release the float from its position on the valve seat. The valve incorporates a valve body with a valve seat, float retainer, and a buoyant float which can reciprocate vertically, being guided by the retainer as it descends onto the sealing surface located below it. During operation, the valve protects the pool&#39;s circulating pump from damage that could result from becoming air-bound and losing its prime, as a result of sucking air through the scupper&#39;s bottom outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to valves, and in particular to an automatic shutoff valve for use on swimming pool scuppers, and other suction lines where it is important to prevent the suction of air or other gas as a result of a low liquid level.

[0004] 2. Theory of Operation

[0005] The instant invention utilizes the principle of buoyancy. It employs the use of a float that has sufficient buoyancy in liquid to resist the downward forces created when significant down flow is present, but cannot sustain buoyancy when immersed in a gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In applications such as scupper drains for swimming pools and other applications where liquid flows to the suction inlet of a liquid lubricated pump, considerable damage can result to the pump should the pump lose its prime because the flow of liquid to the pump is replaced by a flow of air or other gas. There are numerous occasions such as during periods when pool owners are on a lengthy vacation, that proper pool maintenance is not performed. During those times the summer heat frequently causes a very significant loss of water through evaporation.

[0007] A leak in the pool structure, or its circulating system, can also cause a loss of water. When the water level drops below the lowest level of the scupper opening, the residual water in the scupper body is quickly sucked out by the pump; the pump loses its prime and becomes air bound. This causes the seals of the pump to overheat and eventual results in serious damage or even destruction of the pump. Conversely, when excessive rains occur, it is necessary to pump out the excessive water so that proper skimming of the surface can be performed by the scupper assembly. Usually the pumping down period is quite lengthy, with only occasional checks being made on the water level. Too often excessive draw down accidentally occurs. Unless immediately corrected, this results in the same disastrous results as previously cited.

[0008] A need exists for a safety check valve that can easily be inserted into an existing suction inlet, or supplied as original equipment at the time of pool construction, that will protect the circulating pump from damaging situations such as those previously mentioned. There are other applications such as storage tanks, reservoirs etc. and liquids other than water, where a need also exists.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0009] The use of check valves to stop the flow of liquids is well known. The prior art devices, while having the ability to shut off flow do not operate in the same manner as the instant invention.

[0010] Examples of related art include, U.S. Pat. No. 999,619 to J. M. Young, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,538,656 to G. E. Richardson which describe ball check valves that are designed to operate in the normally closed position, and when opened manually by means of a ball lifting device, temporary flow is permitted. It then re-closes and remains closed when water is present above the valve seat. The instant invention operates in the normally open position when liquid is present above the float and valve seat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,167 to Elbert G. Gilliland describes a flapper type check valve that also is designed to operate in the normally closed position, and when opened manually, by a by a lifting device, temporary flow is permitted. It then re-closes and remains closed when water is present above the valve seat. The instant invention operates in the normally open position when liquid is present above the float and valve seat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,741 to Murphy provides a spring loaded ball check valve that operates when flow through the valve attempts to change direction. Flow through the valve acts against the spring loaded ball check and allows the ball check to close when the flow through the valve reverses direction. The instant invention does not utilize a spring and does not require a change of direction to close the valve.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No 4,687,023 to Harbison et al. describes a freely reciprocating ball check valve that is not spring loaded but requires a reversal of the direction of flow to move the ball to the sealing seat. The ball check is not buoyant, and cannot differentiate between liquid or gas.

[0012] The instant invention operates contrary to the typical prior art check valves, in that it is designed to operate in the normally open position when immersed in liquid. It also has the ability to discern the difference between the flow of liquid versus the flow of gases. The float is buoyant in a liquid but is not buoyant in a gas. It therefore has the ability to remain in the closed position until a liquid level above and below the valve is restored. The design of the instant invention does not require the use of a guide rod(s) that would project above the top of the retainer. Such protrusions would seriously limit, or prevent, the valve from fitting within the confines of most intended applications, where a strainer basket is located a short distance above the suction outlet. The float of the preferred embodiment is constructed of celluloid or similar plastic and of the same dimensions typical of ping-pong balls. Its thin wall, high strength, and light weight design provide superior buoyancy and resistance to deformation. The superior buoyancy of the float create its ability to release itself from the valve seat, unless a negative pressure exists below the seated float as would be created by a suction pump. The design of a typical swimming pool, scupper assembly, and circulating system is depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Pool 9 is filled with water 10 and communicates with pump 12 through scupper assembly 11, scupper outlet pipe 11 b. A second means of communication between water 10 and pump 12 is through main drain 14, main drain outlet pipe 16 connecting with scupper outlet pipe 11 b and then to pump 12. The discharge of pump 12 typically flows through filter 13 and is returned to pool 9 through pool inflow pipe 17. When pump 12 is not circulating water through the system, the water levels in pool 9 and scupper assembly 11 are equalized by gravity flow through the circulating system. This communication allows the automatic shutoff valve 5 to detect the level of water 10 in pool 9. If the level of water 10 is sufficient, float 3 in automatic shutoff valve 5 will rise from valve seat 4 a and restore normal flow through scupper assembly 11. If the water level is not sufficient for float 3 to become unseated, the flow through scupper assembly 11 remains off. Thus communication cycle occurs each time pump 12 is stopped, and continues until the proper water level is restored. The valve therefore does not require the use of any float lifting devices as commonly required in toilet tank type check valve assemblies. The instant invention is designed to be easily installed and removed by hand. This is an important requirement when pool vacuuming equipment is to be inserted in the scupper outlet pipe 11 b for routine pool maintenance. The instant invention is likewise designed for easy maintenance of its valve seat and float.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is the objective of the present invention to provide an automatic shutoff valve which is self contained, simple, economical and has been designed to fit the common configurations of swimming pool scupper drain assemblies with little or no modification. The automatic shutoff valve closes safely without the need to stop the circulating pump, which in typical installations, is also connected to the bottom drain of the pool. The bottom drain portion of the circulating system will continue to supply adequate water to maintain normal operation of the pump without damaging it. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to automatically restore the system to normal operation unattended, in the event normal rainfall restores the water level in the pool to a safe operating level, or if water is added by an attendant. Since pool circulating pumps are normally programmed to operate for less than twenty four hours per day, the normal temporary shut down will restore the valve to its normal open position if sufficient rainfall has occurred, or if added by a refill device. When water has been added to the pool manually, the attendant need only stop the pump momentarily to release the float from the outlet of the valve and immediately restore normal operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will be more clearly understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the accompanying drawings. Six sheets of drawings are provided. Sheet one contains FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Sheet two contains FIG. 3. Sheet three contains FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Sheet four contains FIG. 6. Sheet five contains FIG. 7. Sheet six contains FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a typical prior art design for a swimming pool scupper assembly.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical prior art swimming pool water circulating system.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment automatic shutoff valve, with the float in the open position., as it would be positioned in a typical scupper assembly.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top view in the valve body.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body with the float in the closed position.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of alternate embodiments incorporating the use of a molded retainer with a threaded base and a valve body with a matching threaded top. Also, an “O” ring seal and an option resilient body seal. The alternate embodiments, of an “O” ring seal and/or resilient body seal, can also be incorporated into the preferred embodiment valve of FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of alternate embodiment flapper type automatic shutoff valve.

[0023]FIG. 9. is a top view of alternate embodiment flapper type automatic shutoff valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 we observe a cross-sectional view of a typical prior art swimming pool scupper assembly 11 comprising a basket strainer 11 a and an unprotected scupper outlet pipe 11 b. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical prior art swimming pool water circulating system 9 comprising water 10, scupper assembly 11, basket strainer 11 a, scupper outlet pipe 11 b, pump 12, filter 13, main drain 14, main drain outlet pipe 16, pool inflow pipe 17. FIG. 3, is a side view of automatic shutoff valve 5 located in a scupper outlet pipe 11 b, of a typical prior art scupper assembly 11. Retainers 1 a and 1 b are attached to valve body 4 by means of fasteners 2. Float 3 is shown in the valve open position within retainers 1 a and 1 b. Although the accompanying figures depict retainers 1 a and 1 b attached with threaded fasteners, it is considered within the scope of this invention that any appropriate means be used to attach retainers 1 a and 1 b to valve body 4. Valve 5 is secured in outlet passage 4 a of scupper assembly 11 by means of resilient body seal 6 b. FIG. 4 is a top view of valve body 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of valve body 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of valve body 4 with float 3 seated on valve seat 4 a, and outflow passage 4 c. Float 3 has a diameter larger than that of valve seat 4 a, to sealably seat in valve seat 4 a when in the closed position.

Alternate Embodiments

[0025]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment incorporating the use of, molded retainer 7, threaded base 7 a, valve body with threaded top 8, threaded top 8 a, “O” ring seal 6 a, and optional resilient body seal 6 b can replace or supplement threaded portion of valve body 8, or threaded portion 4 b of valve 5, as a means of securing the automatic shutoff valve in position, for specific styles of existing inlet openings that are being protected by the use of the invention. The portion of the molded retainer above the threaded base is depicted as cylindrical. It is important to note that the shape may be any shape conducive to minimizing resistance to the fluid flow through it.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment incorporating resilient base 18 of molded rubber or resilient plastic, resilient flapper 19 of polypropylene or similar low density plastic, flapper float 20 of buoyant polystyrene or closed cell urethane.

Operation of Preferred Embodiment

[0027] The valve float 3 is free floating within the restraints of retainers 1 a and 1 b when automatic check valve 5 is immersed in fluid and oriented with the valve body 4 and outlet flow passage 4 e in a position below that of float 3. As the fluid level drops, float 3 descends toward valve body 4 and when in close proximity with valve seat 4 a, is pulled by the fluid flow to a tightly seated position on valve seat 4 a, preventing flow through outlet 4 c. Float 3 is held tightly onto the valve seat 4 a by the suction of the circulating pump to which outlet flow passage 4 c is connected. When suction is interrupted by stopping the circulating pump 12, float 3 will release from valve seat 4 a and rise to the liquid level above, or to the limits of travel permitted by retainers 1 a and 1 b. If no fluid is present, float 3 remains seated on valve seat 4 a and is re-drawn tightly into a sealing mode when pump 12 restarts.

[0028] When periodic maintenance of the the preferred embodiment valve 5 is required, retainer 1 b can be pivoted about fasteners 2 to provide easy access to the float and valve seat. Likewise periodic maintenance of alternate embodiment valve FIG. 7 is provided by unscrewing threaded base 7 a of molded retainer 7, from the threaded top 8 a of valve body 8. Thus the reader will see that the value of the invention provides a simple, highly reliable yet economical device that can be easily installed by almost anyone. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example: The metal retainers could be replaced by a formed or molded plastic retainer which could be threaded or bonded to the valve body. Furthermore, although the retainer illustrated in the preferred embodiment is dome shaped, it could be shaped in a globe or cylindrical form. Likewise the ball float could be replaced by a conical or semi-elliptical float that is free floating, or attached to the valve body by means of a flexible or hinged retainer that is a part of, or secured to, the valve body. The float device can be of a hollow, air filled, construction or of a closed-cell rigid styrofoam or urethane foam plastic attached to a low density plastic sealing surface such as polypropylene. The essential factors are that the movable portion of the valve be naturally buoyant and the stationary valve body be of sufficient weight and density such that the entire valve assembly as a unit will not float when immersed in liquid. This can be accomplished by the use of high density materials such as metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon or rubber for the non movable parts such as the valve body. It is essential that all the materials utilized have good natural corrosion resistance. All metallic parts utilized should be of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze or monel. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

List of Reference Numerals

[0029]1 a retainer (inner)

[0030]1 b retainer (outer)

[0031]2 fastener

[0032]3 float

[0033]4 valve body

[0034]4 a valve seat

[0035]4 b threaded portion of the valve body

[0036]4 c outflow passage

[0037]5 automatic shut-off valve

[0038]6 a “O” ring seal

[0039]6 b resilient body seal

[0040]7 molded retainer

[0041]7 a threaded base

[0042]8 valve body with threaded top

[0043]8 a threaded top

[0044]9 typical pool system

[0045]10 water

[0046]11 scupper assembly

[0047]11 a basket strainer

[0048]11 b scupper outlet pipe

[0049]12 pump

[0050]13 filter

[0051]14 main drain

[0052]16 main drain outlet pipe

[0053]17 pool inflow pipe

[0054]18 resilient base

[0055]19 resilient flapper

[0056]20 flapper float 

I claim:
 1. An automatic shutoff valve installed at the opening of a scupper outlet pipe that communicates with a circulating pump inlet, the valve comprising: (a) a float disposed within a retainer and above a valve body attached to said retainer, said valve body containing a valve seat, said float being sized to sealably seat on said valve seat, the float being made of a resilient material of positive buoyancy, is free to move within said retainer; (b) the valve body being substantially cylindrical.
 2. automatic shutoff valve of claim 1, wherein the retainer offers little restiction to flow.
 3. automatic shutoff valve on claim 2 wherein the valve body has alternate means of attachment to said scupper outlet pipe comprising: (a) a threaded portion of valve body; (b) an “O” ring seal; (c) a resilient body seal.
 4. alternate embodiment automatic shutoff valve of claim 3 wherein the retainer comprises a molded retainer with a threaded base, further comprising internal threads, a valve body with threaded top comprising a top with external threads.
 5. the automatic shutoff valve of claim 3 wherein the float comprises a ping-pong ball.
 6. the automatic shutoff valve of claim 4 wherein the float comprises a ping-pong ball.
 7. an alternate embodiment automatic shutoff valve of claim 1 comprising a flapper float attached to a resilient flapper, said flapper attached by hinge to a resilient base, said base having a sealing surface, said resilient flapper being sized to sealably seat on said seating surface.
 8. an alternate embodiment automatic shutoff valve of claim 7 wherein the float and flapper have positive buoyancy. 